Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha says that having Conor Gallagher in the side forces him to raise his own game – and has urged the Eagles to push for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Zaha bagged a double in the final five minutes in the 4-1 win against ex-Eagles boss Roy Hodgson’s Watford.
He scored his first and Palace’s third with a powerful left-footed shot underneath Ben Foster in the 85th minute after collecting Jordan Ayew’s cross into the box.
The Ivorian then wrapped up all three points and the Eagles’ first win of 2022 with a stunning effort that curled around the Watford keeper in the 90th minute.
Gallagher scored Palace’s second of the match with a well-taken touch and finish that restored their lead after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was cancelled out by Moussa Sissoko.
Zaha and Gallagher are level with eight goals each in the Premier League this season for the South Londoners.
Asked how impressed he has been with the Chelsea loanee, Zaha said: “Everyone knows what Conor’s about, the energy and quality he brings to the team. Obviously, if I’m competing with people like that, I’ve got to step up as well.
“It’s good to have someone else to compete against – I have to raise my game.
“The team that we have allows me to do what I need to do up front. If I get the through-balls – the balls over the top – all I have to do is work on my final touch. That’s what I’m working on.”
The 29-year-old said it was vital to pick up three points. He added: “We’re putting good performances together, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not getting the points. Today felt amazing.
“We need to be clinical. We’re making chances and not scoring – I’m glad I can score for the team.
“I feel like it’s really deserved. [We are producing] good performances week in, week out, and it’s the same thing after the game – we’re disappointed. So taking the three points and going home feels good.”
The Eagles moved up to 11th in the Premier League table and nine points clear of the relegation zone with the win at Vicarage Road.
“With the team we have, I feel like the top half of the table is where we should be looking,” he said.
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